Are you living in a flood-prone area? Authorities are urging residents to stay safe as heavy rainfall forecast in New Mexico this week could trigger flooding.
As part of the preparations for possible flash flooding, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) activated the State Emergency Operation Center. The center will coordinate statewide responses during such occurrences.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque forecasts heavy rain and increased flash flood risk from Tuesday through Thursday. Authorities warn that areas scarred by past wildfires face a high or very high risk of flooding.
Agencies are working with DHSEM to position equipment and personnel across New Mexico. New Mexico National Guard Swiftwater personnel are pre-positioned near Ruidoso and Las Vegas. Regional teams in Doña Ana, Santa Fe, Sandoval, and Valencia counties are also on standby.
DHSEM has coordinated the delivery of 5,000 sandbags to four counties and sent a mechanical sandbagger to Sandoval County. The state can provide more supplies to other local emergency managers upon request. If you need sandbags, you should check with your municipal or county officials for pickup locations.
“Sudden, heavy rainfall can become dangerous – especially in burn scar areas – so we’re putting resources in place to respond to any flash flooding emergencies quickly and effectively,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, Adjutant General of the NM National Guard and interim Cabinet secretary of DHSEM.
Flood Safety Tips
DHSEM is reminding residents what to do during flooding. The agency encourages you to stay informed, pay attention to emergency alerts, and take steps to stay safe.
Keep these safety tips in mind when flooding occurs:
- If authorities tell you to evacuate, leave immediately.
- If authorities do not tell you to evacuate, shelter in place. Move to the highest point of your home or building.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn around and don’t drown.
- You should not drive around barricades.
- Listen to the Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for current flooding information and emergency instructions.
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water, which can wash them away without warning.
- Avoid camping or other outdoor activities.
- If rapidly moving water traps your car, stay inside. If water starts rising, climb onto the roof.
Three Die In Flash Flooding
The reminders come nearly a week after floodwaters claimed the lives of three people.
On Wednesday, September 16, authorities announced that three died after floodwaters swept them away on the Navajo Nation. The victims’ family confirmed their identities Friday, identifying them as a 7-year-old girl and two women.
Source said the drowning incident occurred in Two Grey Hills.
The victims were Elsie Begay, her best friend Dora Franklin, and Begay’s granddaughter, Lucy Allison Mike, 7.
